PM Modi Declares an Era of ‘Silicon Diplomacy’ at Global SemiCon 2024

New Delhi/Panjab Post
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralded a new chapter in international relations on Wednesday, dubbing it the “era of silicon diplomacy.” His remarks, delivered at the opening of the Global SemiCon 2024 event in Greater Noida, highlighted the pivotal role of semiconductors and advanced technology in shaping global dynamics. Modi set an ambitious goal for the Indian electronics sector, aiming to boost production from the current $150 billion to $500 billion by the end of the decade, which he anticipates will generate 6 million new jobs.
Addressing the audience, including Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi emphasized India’s evolving role in the semiconductor industry. He pointed to the “integrated ecosystem” India is developing and noted its strategic partnerships in the Quad—comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—within the semiconductor supply chain. Modi also referenced recent agreements, including an MoU on the ‘India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership’ signed on September 5. This partnership aims to cultivate talent and develop a semiconductor cluster, reflecting India’s growing cooperation with the US under the iCET initiative announced in January 2023. India’s ambitions are evident in its shift from being a major importer of mobile phones to becoming the world’s second-largest producer and exporter of mobiles, as well as the second-largest market for 5G handsets. Vaishnaw highlighted the progress in establishing semiconductor manufacturing facilities, with five private sector units now approved since the 2021 launch of the semiconductor development program. These include plants by Micron, Tata Electronics, and others in Gujarat and Assam. Vaishnaw also underscored the focus on talent development, noting that 113 universities and institutions are engaged in tailoring curricula to meet industry needs. The initiative aims to build a robust talent pool to support India’s growing semiconductor sector.